Comic headlines fundraiser for Providence Ministries

Published 7:31 pm Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Mutzie, a stand-up comic for nearly three decades, will bring his hilarious act to the Artistic Civic Theatre Sunday as a fundraiser for Providence Ministries.

Brian Croft, who became director of development for Providence Ministries last year, and his wife, Shell, saw Mutzie perform in Chattanooga late in 2019, and they enjoyed his set so much they actually approached Mutzie after his act, Shell Croft said. As he learned more about them, he quickly offered to do a show in Dalton.

“I am a Christian, first, before a comedian, so I always look to bless those in need,” and when Brian and Shell explained their situation, “I immediately offered to perform to raise money for them at no charge,” he said. “I was a police officer for 10 years so I know first hand how much single mothers, etc., need help. It’s an honor to help.”

Brian Croft is sure Sunday “will be a good, fun afternoon.”

“Society is so tense and uptight right now,” he said. “We need more laughter.”

The Artistic Civic Theatre is also offering its facility free for the show, which will raise funds to expand the women’s shelter at Providence, Shell Croft said. Mutzie “is a completely clean comic, too, which is rare to find these days.”

Mutzie, who was named New Orleans entertainer of the Year twice and The Funniest Person in Louisiana three times, does plenty of improvisational crowd work in his comedy, “so my shows are different every single time because the audience changes,” he said. He interacts with his audience and has fun with them, but he doesn’t tease or mock them.

He’s “always been the class clown,” he said. A drummer, Mutzie moved to Los Angeles in 1984 with his band from New Orleans, and while in L.A., he did an open mic show, which “lit my fire.”

Less than a year later, he finished second in a national comedy competition, which “gave me the confidence to pursue comedy full time as a career,” he said. He utilizes everyday events in his comedy, “but my show is basically written on stage every single night.”

“It takes guts to attempt that type of show, but I feel that God has given me the gift, and I choose to glorify him,” because “he is with me every show,” he said. “The gospel is woven throughout my show.”

Providence is in the process of increasing its shelter space for women and children from 1,500 to 4,200 square feet, Brian Croft said. The mission of this aspect of Providence Ministries is to offer a temporary place of refuge for homeless women and their children while the mother addresses the economic, social and spiritual issues that led to their homelessness.

The shelter expansion is “an ongoing project,” and — once completed — will not only allow Providence to serve more people, but also afford them more privacy, he said. “They’ll be more comfortable.”

Providence “does so much” in addition to the shelter for women and children, he said. There is also a shelter for men, drug and alcohol recovery programs, and a community kitchen that serves 500 meals per day.

Providence infuses its service efforts with Scripture, he said. “Our ultimate goal is to help them grow spiritually and find that lasting relationship with God.”

Tickets for Sunday’s 2 p.m. show can be purchased for $23 at the Eventbrite site, http://mutzie4providence.eventbrite.com. Though tickets may also be available at the door on the afternoon of the show, the best bet to ensure a spot in a room with only about 60 seats is to purchase in advance.

“We’re thankful to the ACT for being so generous and to (Mutzie),” Brian Croft said. “He has a heart for ministries.”